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UPDATE: Effingham child dies from gunshot wound

A 9-year-old Effingham County boy has died at a Savannah hospital after being shot in the head on Thursday evening.

Landry Oliver, a student at Marlow Elementary, was shot with a .22 rifle at a residence in the 100 block of Zittrouer Road.

An autopsy will be conducted at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab in Savannah on Monday.

The shooting was reported about 7 p.m. The child was airlifted to Memorial University Medical Center.

No charges have been filed.

“At this time the shooting appears to be tragic incident, however, it is still under investigation,” Effingham County Sheriff’s Office spokesman David Ehsanipoor said. “There are no immediate signs of foul play.”

The shooting occurred while Oliver and an 11-year-old neighbor where playing in Oliver’s backyard, Ehsanipoor said.

The rifle had been in a shed at the home.

“At some point the rifle discharged, striking Oliver in the head,” Ehsanipoor said. “The 11-year-old immediately told a 13-year-old who was inside the house.”

The older child reported the incident to some adults next door who then called 911.

The child was unconscious when deputies arrived. He was taken to a church at nearby Midland and Nease Roads where the helicopter landed to transport him to Memorial, Ehsanipoor said.

Effingham Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said the shooting is a “horrible tragedy” that provides a reminder for the public.

“We are not pointing fingers at anyone at this time at all, but with that being said, we would like to stress the importance of gun safety,” McDuffie said. “We ask and encourage everyone to keep weapons locked and away from children.”